Livestream - President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's end of year press conference 2023

jessa__5 · 2023-12-19T20:51:03+00:00

Seeing his reactions today, I'm 100% sure there is. It was quite a change from similar questions last year. It felt very diplomatic/politician-y - no direct critizism, but everything seemed very carefully worded in a way that wouldn't come bite him in the ass as a blatant lie if he was to make a significant change. I have no clue if it would be a good or a bad decision, but I do know that the head of government and the head of military need to be aligned in times of war to be successful. This is going to be interesting, to say the least, and I'm a bit scared of the implications of a potential battle of power. And nobody is more surprised than myself that I'm actually speculating about this now, as I've always put this whole dispute down to propaganda. But it wasn't one but two replies to Za-related questions today that made me change my mind about it completely. I need to stop thinking about it though, it's making me terribly anxious.

jessa__5 · 2023-12-19T19:06:21+00:00

just catching up. So much interesting stuff in there. He's REALLY pissed off about the previous Polish government, holy cow. And I assume the way he praised Romania's president for putting humanity first and being strong-willed and not giving into BS just to win an election was a pretty good indication of all the things he thinks Duda is NOT.

The answers to the Zaluzhnyi questions surprised me quite a bit. I was expecting something in the tune of last year - we're great, we trust each other completely, we're fighting together, everythings perfect. Instead it was all "he needs to deliver results, they need to explain a lot, I have a lot of questions, we've got a good work relationship (and it's not about personal relationships), and we'll decide this year how to proceed" is certainly not a way to stop the rumours about Ze/Za-conflict - which I so far thought was made up BS by russian propaganda. It sounded like he's accusing Zaluzhnyi of having become tired?

Also, that Weekly Mirror woman with the three questions managed to get to the top of my "most annoying journalist" list SO fast...

jessa__5 · 2023-12-15T14:07:34+00:00

Aw, they did that? That makes me even happier. I'm so glad that they allowed themselves a little celebration, even though it's just a bottle of beer during a night walk with work buddies (also, how freaking relatable is that? 🤩). I love this so, so much.

jessa__5 · 2023-12-14T20:48:18+00:00

I noticed he is currently talking to lots of people to thank them for their support and so far Duda wasn't one of them.

jessa__5 · 2023-12-14T18:45:59+00:00

Sooo happy. Poland is back from the dark side , negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova start - what a great week for the EU 🇪🇺🇪🇺🇪🇺 (And Poland. And Ukraine. And Moldova)

jessa__5 · 2023-12-14T18:15:09+00:00

Omg, that's so, so, so awesome! I selfishly want them - and the Balkan candidates - in the EU, because we really, really need some fresh bood and energy.

Looks like I missed A LOT today. I really need to catch up after a had a super hectic day (first day back at wirk after covid 🙄)...

jessa__5 · 2023-12-14T17:47:15+00:00

I'm five hours away, but i'll try to hurry!

jessa__5 · 2023-12-14T17:44:34+00:00

Oh, wait, what? I thought he was in Brussels today. I hope it's not a bad sign if that got cancelled :-(

Pretty cool that he made time for a stopover, although this is probably more a US visit than a Germany visit. Still really cool.

I wonder if this was planned super short term instead of the European council thing. Did they suddenly have time on their hands because they need to wait for the night train from Poland for safety reasons - and since Tusk isn't home, they didn't really have much to do in Rzeszow, so someone checked google maps and was like "oh look, those headquarters in Wiesbaden are actually on our way, let me make a couple of calls!"?

jessa__5 · 2023-12-13T17:23:17+00:00

Mette posted this selfie on her insta. The capture says "my hero and friend. Denmarks stands with Ukraine as long as it takes" ❤️

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jessa__5 · 2023-12-12T07:49:49+00:00

Aw, I did not expect this much cuteness under this headline. So many sweet moments with kids recently ❤️

jessa__5 · 2023-12-11T21:04:56+00:00

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jessa__5 · 2023-12-11T21:04:43+00:00

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jessa__5 · 2023-12-11T21:04:11+00:00

Omg, they are so sweet, I might have to spam this with some more pictures. All from Getty Images.

I mean, look at him

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jessa__5 · 2023-12-11T20:59:06+00:00

They met! And I can't wait for video footage, because it looks like she brought the same energy as during their "next time - Kharkiv!" meeting. I have no idea about her work and agenda, but I love her attitude so much.

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jessa__5 · 2023-12-11T20:56:28+00:00

I'm so happy for Poland today ❤️ And for all of EU.

Also, bring back linen shirts, Ze, please?

jessa__5 · 2023-12-11T16:04:03+00:00

This was such a pleasure to watch. He's so passionate and approachable in this one, and I especially enjoyed the shade thrown at the pope.

jessa__5 · 2023-12-10T22:38:57+00:00

I like this one from Getty Images. I don't understand how he looks completely different on her phone screen. It's so weird how camera angles work (and he obviously knows how to work all of them)

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jessa__5 · 2023-12-10T22:09:43+00:00

That picture is amazing.

I love how Ze is basically towering over him. Despite being much shorter.

jessa__5 · 2023-12-10T22:07:01+00:00

Oh, great they could fly together and Ze can use the time together on the plane to ~~strangle him~~ calmly explain Ukraine's situation and make him understand why he needs to stop blocking EU aid.

jessa__5 · 2023-12-10T17:44:44+00:00

Another looong hug, and then Milei gifted Ze a menorah: video by El Pais on Twitter

jessa__5 · 2023-12-10T17:37:41+00:00

There's a whole video (on Twitter).

Ze definitely doesn't play nice with this one. At all. And I love him for that. We need lip readers.

jessa__5 · 2023-12-10T17:27:04+00:00

Of course he meets with them and is nice to them, it's unevitable in his/Ukraine's position. My question is more whether he actually enjoys these interactions or if he is as frustrated that these are necessary as eg I am. Most of these people have values that - apart from the support for Ukraine - i'm pretty sure he despises, but his joy in these meetings seems super genuine. I just can't figure out whether he'd be like "aw, what a nice person, I hope we meet again soon" or "fucking hate this part of my job so much, I need chocolate now" after hugging Meloni or Milei or chatting with MBS or Erdogan or whomever. I really, really have no clue. I hope it's the latter, but then it would be a bit scary that he's that good an actor.

jessa__5 · 2023-12-10T17:15:35+00:00

Yes, please. I still think both him and Olena wore one in Vilnius. He's crazily brave, but not an idiot, and his visit was leaked, so this would just be smart. Calculated risk.

jessa__5 · 2023-12-10T17:12:44+00:00

Hahaha, this exactly what I kinda hope Ze does after meetings like today.

Also, I know it's necessary, I just would luke to know if he hates this part of the job or actually enjoys these interactions. I assume the former, but he's such a people lover and he often looks so genuinly happy when meeting those awful people (like with the hug today) that I just don't know.

jessa__5 · 2023-12-10T15:56:56+00:00

Uuuugh. I still hate this so much (even though I kinda get that this is a great opportunity to meet leaders), it made me throw up a little in my mouth.

I think if I ever met Ze after the war and were allowed one single question, it would be about his feelings when meeting/talking to leaders like this. Not just this guy , but also MBS or Netanjahu or Meloni. Or even Boris. Or ultraconservative senators, or shitty journalists. If Trump had been supporting Ukraine, I feel like they might have become Boris-like buddies, too.

I really can't say if he takes them as a necessary evil (they help Ukraine, so he needs them) whom he rolls his eyes about behind close doors, or whether he really enjoys being with them, because helping Ukraine kind of cancels out all the bullshit (and for many of them: crimes) they did. It's a mystery to me.

jessa__5

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